MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) – U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and Mexican Interior Secretary Fernando Francisco Gómez-Mont signed on Tuesday two arrangements to bolster aviation and border security between the United States and Mexico at the Mérida U.S.-Mexico High Level Consultative Group meeting, the DHS Press Office announced.

These arrangements complement the current cooperative efforts to fight the violence of drug cartels and to combat terrorism as well. With stronger security at both sides of the border, travel and trade will be easier, safer and more efficient.

“The arrangements signed today further increase the capabilities of the United States and Mexico to protect both sides of the border from transnational criminals and terrorists that threaten the safety of both of our nations,” said Secretary Napolitano.

The first arrangement established the Joint Security Program for Travelers (JSP), which enhances information sharing and best practices between both nations in order to identify potential terrorists and dangerous criminals traveling by air through Mexico City International Airport. The program is pretended to be expanded to other airports in Mexico.

The second arrangement will enable DHS to electronically share criminal records with Mexican law enforcement agencies regarding Mexican nationals who are deported or convicted in the U.S. of certain felonies. The transmission of this vital information will help ensure the safety and security of citizens of both nations.

Both agreements signed on Tuesday, build on numerous bilateral agreements and declarations of cooperation from over the past year.